WHEDA Awards Rock County Community Action $25,000

WHEDA® Awards Rock County Community Action $25,000

Contribution supports Wisconsin Fresh Start program in Beloit

Madison - The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority on Wednesday awarded Rock County Community Action, Inc. a $25,000 grant for their Wisconsin Fresh Start program, a collaborative effort that focuses on providing affordable housing and helping at-risk youth.

Fresh Start is administered through the Wisconsin Department of Commerce's Division of Community Development and supported through a variety of sources, including WHEDA and the Department of Corrections. The program addresses multiple issues, from a lack of education to trouble with the law, in addition to expanding the supply of affordable housing in Wisconsin's communities.

"Supporting Wisconsin Fresh Start is one more way for WHEDA and the State of Wisconsin to support Home ownership and to create opportunities for people in need," said Antonio Riley, Executive Director of WHEDA. "These young people are given an incredible opportunity to learn a trade, and at the same time we're able to expand the stock of affordable, quality housing here in Beloit."

WHEDA Community Development Director John Schultz was joined by representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and the Department of Corrections as he presented the check to Rock County Community Action Director Lisa Furseth at 515 Highland Avenue, the site of the Fresh Start Home.

The Rock County Fresh Start program has 10 young people enrolled, but another 30 are on the waiting list. Since the start of the program, in 1998, WHEDA has provided $1.4 million worth of grants statewide.

WHEDA is an independent state authority that works with lenders to provide low-cost financing for housing and small business development in Wisconsin. For more information on WHEDA's housing programs, call 1-800-334-6873 or browse this web site.